Kirk Cousins will remain the Las Vegas Raiders’ starting quarterback against the New York Jets, but Klint Kubiak is leaving Fernando Mendoza’s eventual opportunity on the table.
The Raiders coach confirmed Monday that he is sticking with the veteran following a fourth consecutive loss. His decision settles the immediate question after Sunday’s defeat to the Los Angeles Rams prompted discussion about turning to the No. 1 overall pick.
#Raiders coach Klint Kubiak made clear that “there is no controversy” — Kirk Cousins will start this week.
As for Fernando Mendoza, “Fernando is going to play at some point, but it’s not going to be this week.” pic.twitter.com/SgEf8X6Cbc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2026
“There is no controversy,” Kubiak said.
Kubiak also addressed Mendoza’s future, making clear that the rookie’s wait will continue through the upcoming matchup.
“Fernando is going to play at some point, but it’s not going to be this week,” Kubiak said.
That leaves Las Vegas preparing for the Jets with the same starter while trying to stop a slide that has erased its 3-0 opening to the season.
Why the Raiders are sticking with Kirk Cousins
Cousins’ production helps explain why Kubiak has resisted making a change. Through seven games, he has thrown for 1,877 yards and 16 touchdowns against five interceptions, with a completion rate of 62.6 percent.
Kubiak praised the veteran’s performance Monday and emphasized improving the support around him while continuing Mendoza’s development. He said the organization has a plan for its rookie, but no timeline for a change.
Sunday’s 35-21 loss illustrated why the team’s problems extend beyond choosing a quarterback.
The Raiders had a 199-49 disadvantage in rushing yards. Las Vegas has now failed to reach 75 rushing yards in each of its four consecutive losses.
The offense also scored a touchdown on just one of five red-zone possessions against Los Angeles, while the Rams converted all five of theirs into touchdowns. Those missed chances included unsuccessful fourth-down passes intended for Cody White and Jalen Nailor.
Changing quarterbacks would still leave Las Vegas needing better blocking, more effective rushing and improved execution near the goal line. Keeping Cousins does not remove the passing game’s responsibility for those stalled possessions, either.
The defense compounded the problem. Los Angeles reached the end zone on four consecutive possessions and built a 28-3 advantage before halftime.
By the time the Raiders began closing the gap, they were trying to overcome failures on both sides of the ball.
Fernando Mendoza has played, but his first start must wait
Mendoza’s next milestone would be his first NFL start, rather than his regular-season debut. He already appeared late in the Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards.
In an Oct. 14 film breakdown, Bucky Brooks described a rookie who generally handled underneath throws well against coverage designed to limit deeper completions. Brooks also identified trouble against pressure on the final two plays of Mendoza’s series.
That appearance provided a small amount of game experience, not an extended audition with the starting job at stake. It is useful context for a team balancing the desire to develop its top pick with the need to win now.
Mendoza also received first-team practice work during training camp when Cousins was held out following an altercation with Maxx Crosby. Monday’s announcement, however, keeps the regular-season starting assignment with Cousins.
Kubiak has identified the quarterback who will face New York. He has not identified a date when Mendoza will take over.
